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Thursday, October 22, 2015

Build a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with a Scarf: Pigs on the Wing by wrq.e.d. Version 2

While the first colors that I saw in the scarf were greys and black, there's definitely enough beige and brown here to work with; maybe I see black and grey first because that's my personal capsule wardrobe focus?But this time, this is the color scheme. I like giving myself the full range of the blues and browns as options, I think it works well with the scarf, and makes the blending of different shades of one color possible. While there are a few colors that need to be matched pretty closely, others can blend all over the place and work well - I think brown is one of those!

I didn't mention this, but the border of this scarf reads:

my song was out of tune, my voice was cracked,but at least no chorus can ever sing it back.

Imagine having that reminder of your own strength and originality draped around your neck all day...

Although her outfit options number more than a dozen, I'm sharing 12 combinations, ranging from casual, through "Friday-night dinner" dressy, to legitimately "night at the opera" worth. Note how the variety of colors in the necklaces help tie together the different shades of tan and brown in the outfits.

This kind of efficiency is clearly the product of some careful planning:

And you hit the nail on the head for me, too! I would be happy with every item here. And, yes, I once wore those silk bows with cotton shirts and skirt suits. Kinda wish I'd held onto those silk ties now!

From Margie in Toronto - even though my colour preference leans more towards yesterday's colours, the whole concept of this wardrobe and the woman who wears it is so me! I always tell friends, the minute I retire from the corporate world, my wardrobe is going to consist of a couple of "dressy outfits" and then wonderfully comfortable pants, jeans and cozy tops - just love that shade of blue!

Thanks for helping me re-imagine my own wardrobe I have clothes with those colors in my closet but what I lack is the one component that completes the outfit - the right accessory that pulls it all together.

I used your 4 x 4 worksheet for our latest 2 week shopping trip to England and it worked perfectly. I packed lighter and more effectively. It will be part of my trip planning for years to come. Thanks for sharing your gifts. Theresa

Casual, elegant, comfortable and never sloppy....you've really nailed it here. I see from the other comments that I am not alone in my desire for comfort and practicality in clothing. I appreciate also that you have used reasonably priced, mail order pieces to achieve this. Mary

Yesterday's colors were also more similar to mine, but I agree with the above commenters regarding no heels, and no skirts. I only break out the dresses and skirts for formal occasions; the rest of the time, comfort and elegance is key! And, not everyone will agree, but I have also written off jeans on my body: not flattering, not comfortable, and not elegant. Simple neutral pants work so much better for all the daily events in my life, and are key for traveling lightly and comfortably.

Vivian, I, too, have recently relegated blue jeans to the jobs of gardening and house cleaning. When traveling, which is often, I wear lightweight trousers in various shades of beige, taupe, or brown in fabrics that are not prone to wrinkling. To me, denim blue is a color, not a neutral, and I kept making outfits with blue tops to go with the denim pants, but feeling dissatisfied with wearing an all blue ensemble. Somehow it just didn't work with my warm , light coloring. I agree with you also on not feeling "dressed up " in blue jeans, even they are ubiquitous everywhere you look ! I do retain one pair of dark brown jean style pant for grocery shopping or quick errand running, football games, etc.. I want to try some pinwale cords in browns and greens for casual looks. Green seems to finally be available this year.

My life, my wardrobe, too. But I do have a couple of very good skirts and one dress to turn to when needed. I printed this one out, even though I wear cool colors, grey, navy, etc. The concept still works beautifully. thanks, Janice.

I have to admit that yesterday's reference to the Pink Floyd song passed by me. Then this afternoon I picked up my October 2015 'Departures' magazine which features London cover to cover. There was an article titled 'Rebuilding Battersea' and a photo of the apparently iconic 'pig' balloon flying over the Battersea power station. The scarf is stunning and now I can appreciate some of the images it contains.

Thanks for post in warm colours. I am retired and dumpy. I pretty much only wear skirts but not stylish skirts. I like elastic gathered short (around the knee length) comfortable skirts. If too long then material gets in the way of living. Avid leggings wearer when weather is cooler. Short socks and Mary Janes. Pants are just too restrictive for me. Shorts are OK though. I have one pair of black cargo pants for appointments. Carol S.

Love the casual vibe of this wardrobe! My style too. Mostly pants and jeans for me! I own a few dresses and skirts but RARELY wear them! I like the idea of your neutrals all being in the same family. Great ideas here!